Mentors Meetup: Strengthening Bonds for 202-Thrive
- GSGC
- Feb 25, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 16
This year’s Mentors Meet-Up was more than just a gathering—it was a powerful reunion of 18 dedicated mentors from Zimbabwe and Zambia, coming together to reflect, learn, and grow. But more than anything, this week was about slowing down, listening deeply, and creating a space where each mentor could truly be seen, heard, and valued. As GSGC continues to grow, with mentors stepping into leadership and guiding their clubs with newfound confidence, it was essential to take this time to connect, set a strong foundation, and ensure we are moving forward together with clarity and purpose.
Creating Space to Listen and Thrive
From the very first day, we embraced the idea that sometimes the most important moments come when we put the agenda aside and make room for real conversations. We revisited the fundamentals of our clubs—not just in theory, but by listening to one another’s lived experiences, struggles, and triumphs. This wasn’t about rushing to find quick solutions; it was about understanding each other’s perspectives and collectively shaping a path forward.
Mercy Sibanda from Girls Time Club in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, reflected on the power of these discussions:
“This reflection motivated me to look back on our achievements and provoked my mind to think critically about our progress. Guided by these fundamentals, I’m eager to move forward, deliver meaningful mentorship to our beneficiaries, and achieve our goals.”
Building Skills, Strengthening Impact
Beyond reflection, this week was about equipping mentors with the tools they need to lead with confidence. With curriculum consultant Dorothy Dyer, we assessed what’s working and what needs to be adapted in our club curriculum. The discussions were honest, and the insights invaluable—ensuring that our curriculum remains relevant and continues to serve the youth in the best way possible.
“The content of this curriculum is relevant, and with this tool, we are going to embrace the mantra I see you, I hear you, I believe in you,” said Prosper Siphambili from Sisonke Boys Club in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. “The work that we do needs people that are passionate, and I believe we are achieving the same vision and goals.”
Finance also took center stage, with Hofstra leading an insightful session on financial foundations. Understanding budgets, planning, and financial management is crucial to ensuring clubs stay sustainable and independent.
Simplifying Data, Amplifying Impact
One of the most significant areas we focused on was making reporting easier, clearer, and more useful. Data can feel intimidating, but we want it to be a tool for mentors rather than a burden. We spent time reviewing reporting documents, simplifying them to ensure they are meaningful and practical.
Our goal is not just to collect data for the sake of reporting but to make it genuinely useful—helping mentors see what’s working, what needs improvement, and how to communicate progress in a way that reflects the true impact of their work. This is not only important for internal growth but also for sharing our progress with donors in a significant and meaningful way.
The Power of Storytelling
As part of our focus on communication and fundraising, we explored the power of storytelling—because at the heart of mentorship are the lives we touch and the stories we carry. Through workshops and discussions, mentors learned how to use storytelling to connect with supporters and bring their work to life. We also explored visual storytelling with a fun photography workshop.
Sunga Mwila from Sunga Mkoshe Girls Club in Livingstone, Zambia, shared how storytelling reinforced the strength of the mentorship network:
“After the storytelling session, I realized I’m not alone. Listening to different stories about children across different communities, I saw how similar their struggles are, even if they may never meet. As mentors, we carry these stories, and sometimes that weight is heavy. But when we share with one another, we feel lighter, inspired, and reminded that what we do matters.”
A Moment to Reconnect & Celebrate
This week was also about pausing to celebrate one another. Mentor Kangwa led the team in a paint-and-sip session, giving everyone a chance to unwind, get creative, and connect in a different way.
The final day, held on Valentine’s Day, was a celebration of appreciation—recognizing the heart, dedication, and resilience of each mentor. Together, we reflected on the week—what we learned, our commitments moving forward, and how we have personally grown—reinforcing our dedication to deepening our impact and strengthening our network.
Mentor Racheal Ng’andu from Believe Girls Club in Livingstone, Zambia, shared her personal transformation:
“This week has reminded me how far I’ve come. When I first started, I was very shy, but now I can stand tall with confidence. Mentorship has not only allowed me to guide others but has also been the foundation of my own growth and transformation.”
Since the very first meet-up in Livingstone, Zambia in 2012, GSGC has facilitated these meet-ups, fostering a community of support and shared purpose. This week was a reminder that mentorship is not just about guiding youth—it’s about mentors growing, evolving, and supporting each other too.
As Mentor Representative Nyika Muyambo put it:
“Reconnection ignites growth, and celebration fuels the soul. In moments of pause, we find the strength to propel forward, together.”
Here’s to slowing down, listening deeply, and thriving together in 2025.
